Scottish Heavy Athletics begin on the Athletic Field at 9:00 a.m.

Reminiscent of the Scotch Fairs that were held in the Carolinas in May in the late 1790s, the Bethabara Highland Games offers a relaxing day for family gatherings with congenial kinfolk, musical entertainment, and the camaraderie of competition.

On Saturday, May 5, 2018, Historic Bethabara Park opens to the public at 10 a.m. with some heavy throwing athletic events already underway on the Athletic field. Admission to the event as well as access to the Visitor Center and historic buildings is FREE.

Traditional Scottish athletic competitions are once again a highlight of this year's Games with tartan-clad athletes throwing the 56- & 28-pound weights for height and distance. Champion athletes come to test their strength by tossing the 100+ pound, 19+ foot caber end over end. Other events include the Clachneart (Stone of strength), hammer throw, and the sheaf toss for height. In 2014, an Amateur World Record was set at the Sheaf Toss: 20-pound bag, 35 feet by Travis Gardner. Past Bethabara competitors include former World Champion Larry Brock.

With our roots in Celtic music, we are proud to announce the 7th Bethabara Scottish Fiddle Competition. David Gardner is a nationally recognized Scottish fiddle performer, teacher and judge. He is an instructor at the Strathgheny School of Scottish Fiddling at Westminster College. The competition, sanctioned by Scottish F.I.R.E., will offer competitors the privilege of competing in the National Scottish Fiddle Competition.

We will continue our focus on traditional music as The Fiddle and Bow Society hosts entertainment on the Main Stage, and pipe bands will perform throughout the day.

Participation is a hallmark of Scottish Games. Your kinsmen may try their hand at the Battle-axe competition. There are activities for the kids that include Colonial games and the children's Scottish athletic competition. Kilts will again be available for the children at NO charge.

There are Border Collie demonstrations and several seminars about Scottish history, and demonstrations of Highland and Irish dance. You could learn a new Scottish Country dance! You may plan your own picnic or partake of the food offered by vendors adjacent our shady picnic area. You may shop for tartan, short bread, and other unique gifts offered in the Celtic Vendors Row.

Exhibitors will offer demonstrations and sales of traditional crafts and Celtic items.

The Winston-Salem Wolfhounds Gaelic Athletic Association is proud to be represented at the Seventeenth Annual Bethabara Highland Games on May 5, 2018 at Historic Bethabara Park in Winston-Salem. Being a local Gaelic (Irish) Football club, which helps promote traditional Irish sports and culture in the Winston Salem community, we felt that this was a perfect venue to support our brethren Scottish athletes and spread the word about Winston-Salem’s growing Gaelic Football team, the Wolfhounds. Join us for a day of traditional Scottish heavy athletics, family gatherings, musical entertainment and the camaraderie of competition. Visit the Wolfhound booth and learn much more about the traditional Irish sports of Gaelic football and Hurling.

Parking is easy! Request an electronic PDF version of the 2018 Program or pick one up on location at the Front Gate or Visitor Center.

Attendance at the Bethabara Highland Games is very family oriented with lots of activities for the kids.

We invite you to join us for the fun and the games.

Be kind to your pets....no pets please.

An updated Map of the Field showing events scheduled will be available to download in May.

Events Schedule

Scottish Clan and Family Societies

Highland Games / Scottish Athletic

Scottish Fiddle Competition

Main Stage Music Schedule

Dance Schedule

Children's Activities

Vendor Information

This event is sponsored in part by

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